5 Best Restaurants in Cozumel to Try (+1 Unique Beach Club)

Cozumel is synonymous with paradisiacal beaches, vibrant reefs and marine life that makes any sea lover melt. But did you know that the island also has a most surprising gastronomic scene?

If you are one of those who explore a place not only with your eyes, but also with your taste, we are going to tell you about 5 restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply in Cozumel . And we are talking about a Beach Club in front of a wonderful beach as an ideal alternative to spend a few hours sunbathing and snorkeling at a reasonable price.

And we already warned you that eating cheaply in Cozumel is not so easy … Maybe it is because of the fame of the island, the increasingly mass tourism or the numerous cruise ships that disembark daily, but prices are usually higher compared to other areas of Mexico. Even so, it is possible to find places where you can enjoy delicious food without spending a fortune . The key is to leave the most touristy areas and venture towards the locals' favorite spots, those places with more reasonable prices and quality food.

where to eat in cozumel

5 Best Restaurants in Cozumel to Try (+1 Unique Beach Club)

1. The Cozumel Hut

We're starting off strong with one of the best restaurants in Cozumel: La Choza. As soon as you walk in you'll feel right at home: the staff is very friendly and the decor is colorful and cozy . This restaurant is known for its homemade food , full of flavor and presented in generous portions, so be prepared to leave more than satisfied!

We went for breakfast , as we read that their menu is excellent, with classic options like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and fresh juices. But La Choza also offers a varied menu for lunch and dinner , with typical Mexican dishes like enchiladas, fajitas and ceviches. In short, a total success. Average price: 10-15€.

2. Denis House

In the heart of Cozumel, Casa Denis is an emblem of Cozumel gastronomy . Founded in 1945, it is one of the oldest restaurants on the island and remains a meeting point for both locals and travelers looking for authentic Mexican flavors.

This historic place is popular for its traditional food prepared with lots of love , so it is not surprising that when you enter Casa Denis you feel like you are in the Cozumel of yesteryear: with simple decoration, old photos on the walls and a relaxed and homely atmosphere, perfect to enjoy without rushing.

You can try traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil, which they cook in a traditional way, marinated with achiote and cooked over low heat to achieve that unique and juicy flavor, or opt for seafood dishes , like cuttlefish with garlic or more classic ones, like quesadillas with guacamole. Everything is delicious and, although we did not try their margaritas, you should know that they are very famous 😉

Casa Denis restaurant in Cozumel

3. Tonita's Homemade Meals

We discovered this place by chance, and we were pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for real homemade food and authentic recipes , this is your place. In fact, while we were eating we saw many locals coming in to order takeaway food or to enjoy their menu .

Every day they offer different popular dishes cooked on the spot and accompanied by a delicious vegetable broth. It costs about 200 MXN. We ordered several, both fish and meat, and we were delighted. The breaded fish, which they serve with rice and beans, seemed especially delicious to us (about $200).

All in all, with its simple, family-friendly atmosphere , we understand why this small restaurant is a popular choice for eating well and cheaply in Cozumel!

Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad

4. Jeanie's

Want to eat with a view of the Caribbean Sea ? Jeanie's is the ideal place to enjoy a sunset while trying some local fish-based specialties. The food is good, the prices are right, and there is also an area with sunbeds and umbrellas where you can lie down and even take a dip.

We went to try their happy hour (2×1 cocktails between 4 and 6 pm) but luckily we stayed for dinner: the prawns with coconut, golden and crispy, with that sweet and tropical touch that makes them irresistible, and the grilled fish were spectacular. In addition, the reasons were plentiful and the staff very friendly. We would definitely go back!

Jeanie's restaurant in Cozumel

5. Coconuts

Although we didn't go, we know firsthand that this beach bar serves one of the best ceviches in Cozumel . It's a bit more expensive than the other recommendations ($350 for shrimp ceviche) but if you're on the east coast and want to try it, it's a good option.

Bonus: Sea Anemone Beach Club

It is not the cheapest restaurant nor the one that offers the best food, but it is a really interesting option to enjoy a beach club at an affordable price. This restaurant is part of the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park , an ecological reserve located at the southern end of the island and which has some of the best beaches in Cozumel and a great area for snorkeling .

Access to this park costs approximately €20 per person and includes some activities , such as a boat ride to see crocodiles or a visit to some small Mayan ruins (El Caracol Archaeological Zone) and the Celarain Lighthouse. It also gives you the right to use beach chairs without having to pay extra, but if you want to eat at one of the beach clubs, such as Anemona de Mar, be prepared to pay your wallet 🙂 The menu is typically Mexican, with tacos, fajitas, nachos, etc.

Other beach clubs in this area are Del Cielo Beach Club, Bajo el Sol Beach Club or Tikin Xic.

Beach in Punta Sur Cozumel